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Traffic congestion dipping as economy falters

Less time in traffic

Drivers are spending less time stuck in rush-hour traffic for a second straight year, the first ever two-year decline in congestion as high gas prices and the economic downturn force many Americans to change how they commute.

The average U.S. driver languished in rush-hour traffic for 36.1 hours in 2007, down from 36.6 hours in 2006 and a peak of 37.4 hours in 2005, according to a study released by the Texas Transportation Institute. (Text from Associated Press)

Less time in traffic

Drivers are spending less time stuck in rush-hour traffic for a second straight year, the first ever two-year decline in congestion as high gas prices and the economic downturn force many Americans to change how they commute.

The average U.S. driver languished in rush-hour traffic for 36.1 hours in 2007, down from 36.6 hours in 2006 and a peak of 37.4 hours in 2005, according to a study released by the Texas Transportation Institute. (Text from Associated Press)